Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said the outcome of Saturday’s Area Council elections confirms that Nigerians now recognise both the ruling party and what he described as the “real opposition” in the country.
Wike spoke during a broadcast on national television and radio, where he commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as the peaceful conduct of the polls.
“The peaceful conduct of the election is a testament to the commitment of the people of the FCT to democracy and good governance,” Wike said.
“This election has indeed shown that Nigerians now know the ruling party and the real opposition party.”
He applauded residents for their orderly participation and praised security agencies for maintaining law and order throughout the exercise. The minister also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for delivering what he termed a credible process.
“I congratulate INEC for conducting a free, fair and credible election, and I commend the security agencies for their professionalism and dedication to duty,” he added.
According to Wike, the results signal increasing public confidence in the Tinubu administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said has revived optimism among FCT residents.
He congratulated candidates of both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who emerged victorious and urged them to honour the trust placed in them by voters.
“To the winners of the elections, I urge you to serve the people with humility, dedication and commitment to excellence,” he said.
Despite winning only one of the six chairmanship seats, the PDP maintained that its performance reinforces its status as Nigeria’s most credible opposition platform.
In a statement issued by its National Caretaker Working Committee and signed by National Publicity Secretary Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, the party congratulated Mohammed Kasim on his victory in the Gwagwalada Area Council election and commended supporters for what it described as a gallant outing.
“As the only opposition party that won one out of the six Area Council chairmanship seats, the PDP has reaffirmed that it remains a viable and dependable alternative platform,” the statement said.
The party also praised INEC and the Nigeria Police for ensuring peaceful elections, while calling on the electoral body to address gaps observed during the process.
Meanwhile, PDP presidential aspirant Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim said the results indicate renewed strength for the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The PDP is a resurgent party. In spite of leadership disputes and pressure, the people stood firmly by the party,” he said, citing councillorship victories across the FCT as evidence of enduring grassroots backing.
The outcome of the FCT polls has reignited discussions over party influence and political positioning as attention gradually shifts toward the 2027 elections.
